US News

Man allegedly stole 100 COVID vaccine vials from dentist office

A man allegedly swiped 100 COVID-19 vaccine vials and $100,000 worth of medical equipment from a Washington state dental office, authorities said.

The 30-year-old male suspect, who was not publicly identified, is accused of breaking into the office in Purdy and swiping the Johnson & Johnson doses, along with a vial of Botox, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department said Wednesday.

The owner of the dental office reported the theft April 30.

“The suspect responsible for this burglary has been identified and arrested,” sheriff’s officials announced. “Investigators have recovered most of the property, including the COVID-19 vaccines. The property was hidden in the bushes and most of it was destroyed by the weather.”

It’s unclear why the man targeted the vaccine vials, investigators said.

“What would a thief want with COVID-19 vaccines that you can get for free?” sheriff’s officials asked on Facebook. “The answer is, ‘We’re not sure.’”

The suspect reportedly also stole $100,000 in medical equipment from North Harbor Dentistry.
The suspect reportedly also swiped $100,000 in medical equipment from North Harbor Dentistry. North Harbor Dentistry

The sheriff’s department had previously warned the public to beware of anyone who offered them virus jabs outside of pharmacies, mass vaccination sites or medical and dental offices.

Authorities said the suspect also stole $100,000 in medical equipment from the North Harbor Dentistry Office, KIRO-TV reported.

The man is also suspected of breaking into a nearby hair salon on April 28 and making off with products, styling tools and even towels, sheriff’s officials said.

The determined suspect broke through the salon’s wall and stole about $50,000 worth of items, the owner told The Olympian.

A majority of that property has also been recovered. Charges against the suspect will be forwarded to the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review, sheriff’s officials said.